Lee Carsley reveals FAI talks took place in July before Heimir Hallgrimsson appointment
Lee Carsley
England interim manager Lee Carsley faces Ireland next Saturday
Lee Carsley has revealed that the last discussions with the FAI about succeeding Stephen Kenny took place in July when the FAI were preparing to unveil their new boss.
But Carsley insists they weren’t about him taking up the role.
The FAI have always claimed Heimar Hallgrimsson was their primary target “for months”, but Carsley’s comments might indicate to some people that head-hunters were not only shopping in Iceland.
However, Carsley confirmed talks only reached the preliminary stage as the former Ireland midfielder prepares to lead out England in Dublin next Saturday.
Many Irish supporters had expected the former midfielder, who won 39 caps for Ireland, would be in the dug-out when their side kicked off their Nations League campaign, but presumed he would be manning the home dugout.
However, the U-21 European Championship winning manager is now in prime position to succeed Gareth Southgate on a full-time basis – and beating Ireland twice this autumn will help his cause.
“First of all, it was quite an informal conversation. It wasn’t that I was offered the job or wanted the job or turned the job down or anything like that.
“It was far from that. It was quite an informal conversation.
“It was after the Under-21 Euros and so it was at a point where, similar to anyone who wants a meeting or a catch-up, I try to be as accommodating as I can.
“At the start of my career, someone’s advice was that if someone wants to meet you, make sure you go and meet them and pay them that respect.
“So I was really aware going into the conversation that I’ve got a really good job and I’m supported where I am.
“So it went no further and it was literally quite an informal conversation. A quick coffee and that was it.”
Carsley said last week that leading England will make him just as proud as wearing an Ireland jersey during his playing career.
He alluded to a summer family reunion in Dunmanway and now has indicated that the gathering may have unwittingly narrated his career path.
“My family have been really supportive.
“They are proud – as proud as they were when I played for Ireland and when England’s Under-21s won the Euros.
“Going back there in the summer was brilliant.
“One of the family did a PowerPoint presentation of the family tree, showing how we all got to this point.
“It was massively interesting. We seem to have a family of people who have fought their way to get where they are, so it was inspiring.”
